ShutDownTown

"One of the best records I've worked on in a long time." - Lone Star Music Online

Until some time ago , the Red Dirt scene, as well as dominated solely by man's hand , wherein ascertaining numerical but fair manner must be that hardly any one artist or band here would be noticed by exaggerated machismo . Buster Jiggs were the first to be decided, on their second album, "Heartache Jubilee" her to date in the background and harmony vocals ( still ) quite distinctive -looking singer Kristin Muennink be positioned at the front, after her befitting singer Will Dodson fit for personal reasons had to.
Now enters the right stout Amanda Graves (Lead vocals) and Cari Smith (vocals , rhythm guitar), alias Shutdowntown has a duo this male domain, which holds considerable potential to make a splash in the genre. Not for nothing is a most prominent team has grabbed the two women under their wings. And although Mr. Red Dirt himself, Mike McClure (Formerly known as a musician The Great Divid, Meanwhile Mike McClure Band and often worked as a producer of fine feeling for many genre-specific bands) and Texas legend Joe Hardy (Inter alia
ZZ Top, Steve Earle, Jeff Healey, Georgia Satellites, 38 Special, Little Caesar, Laidlaw - to have his complete CV here would certainly go beyond the frame), which might affect this debut both musically (they play almost all instruments) about shooting let off steam.
The third musician (besides McClure, Hardy and the two protagonists) was only with 'Steel - icon ' Lloyd Maines (Father of Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines) To parade his instrument a more integrated luminary in his field , who could make with his irresistible play on several tracks for the Country Note in the otherwise quite rock rest repertoire.
Impressive in this consistently strong, ten songs (seven of them by Graves and Smith created , two of McClure) comprehensive work is definitely the vocal performance by Amanda Graves. The presents, in spite of all the concentrated musical expertise and experience around them, absolutely confident, and white with their powerful, very clear, subtly snotty and with a Southern twang (similar to that of Sugar Lands Jennifer Nettles) Finished convincing voice in all areas of tempo completely. Stark that girl!
That pass the nearly forty minutes of play as the Wings, is in addition to the instrumental and vocal brilliance, especially on the structure varied and entertaining arrangement of the pieces. The (southern) bluesrockige opener "Bury Me" (the wonderfully rich electric guitar by McClure, to be empathetic , Marshall Tucker-Inspired solo, organ fat) makes powerful steam, the next, subtly and slightly rootsy psychedelic "6:00 a.m." in contrast, seems almost an introvert and is in the 'Crying in my beer' fashion brought Audibles Country "He Is not Coming Back" (this wonderfully fitting, plus solo by wailing Steel game Maines and an atmospheric Grand Piano by Hardy) replaced . A quite different, but skillful trio song right at the beginning.
Then there is a ring of four tracks, which absolutely thrilled me: the bluesy groove "Dark Skies " really difficult going into the joints and marrow , this is a terrific mix of electric and slide guitar and Skynyrdmoderate - equipped Solo, the beautifully melodic "Downhill" with this irresistible ringing mandolin as a background (such as Fleetwood Mac Goes Red Dirt) produces continuous goose bumps, the cheeky "Echo" offers flaky New Country (in Sugar Land Style - almost one wonders what would happen if ShutDownTown their marketing machine behind them would ... ) and the fuzzy happy, cabriotaugliche "Get Out " in which McClure delivers in two and a half minute song length without Frickelei behave bad to the point brought electric guitar work of the class. I was previously unaware as well of the six strings and delicate process.
Two right again countrylastige , under strong Maines Impact - related songs, "5 Card Draw" ( ballad , atmospheric) and "Goodbye To Me" (a little pop, again Sugar Land remembering), frame the bold, raw, southern- rock of McClure composed " Bad With You" (almost punk rumbling drums, buzzing slide solo), one between itself and form a befitting, the high level of rest following songs in no degree. Conclusion: ShutDownTown have with, Mike McClure and Joe Hardy a clear -produced debut "Flush" an almost sensational delivered to significant cost. Fulminant Texas Girl Power in the Red Dirt scene - wow - welcome!
- Rock Times

"We are two crazy bitches who play music and drink lots of beer. We laugh at anything stupid. We are loud." "We are two crazy bitches who play music and drink lots of beer. We laugh at anything stupid. We are loud." This is the short, sure quite realistic, pithy self-assessment of both whole blood rock'n roll grooves Amanda Graves (vocals) and Cari Smith (vocals, guitar) from Edgewood, Texas, open the ShutDownTown as the "Red Dirt" scene around Texas and Oklahoma to rough up properly. Their debut album, "Flush" is certainly a real genre-cracker "that demonstrates impressive that this as yet largely male-dominated music, now a refreshing injection brilliant, feminine power about it - and she is doing really well! ShutDownTown play a great, powerful, rough, predominantly of saturated electric guitar-dominated Texas' Red Dirt "-Rootsrock/-Americana, some with the typical country-rock touch, but also with references to blues, something like a robust, female edition of Cross Canadian Ragweed or fat rockin Mike McClure Band (for example, similar to their current "Onion"-phase sounds). The parallels are quite understandable, because no one less than Texas' Red Dirt "icon Mike McClure (produced, played lead guitar and various other instruments) and his ever-present buddy Joe Hardy (Enginieering, plays keyboards and other instruments dieversen) have the girls taken under her wing. McClure has just the right touch for a great musician. Come addition to the strong song material (two songs written by McClure, one from the likes of Georgia Klioris, the rest are original compositions by the two ladies) and the full rocking arrangements, the great potential of this wonderful "Mugge" in the great voices of the two , particularly that of Amanda Graves, which also took over most of the lead vocals. Wow, sings the powerful, dynamic, clear and yet so raw and earthy, almost meaty rock made for the Roots Rock. . The supplements are also very well with the spicy set, dominant electric guitars. Best example: the opener "Bury me"! A robust, rough, with great hooks and a wonderful melody-marked "Red Dirt" Roots Rock, Country Rock Kracher, who immediately the parallels with Cross Canadian Ragweed and the Mike McClure Band disclosed, but which by Amanda's gorgeous vocals quickly its very own identity develops. Fat, saturated guitars run through this number that want to compete with the seemingly ever-Amanda's body, leading to a, the song leads perfectly to face standing, mutual Hochpuschen. Radiates a lot of energy. Joe Hardy's class also enigmatic organ, which gives the sound even more wealth. And the chorus is simply a great ear! A hammer-number at the start! Flaky, even a little psychedelic, beautiful, retro and yet so contemporary, another very powerful claim, and fringed with great guitars, they come with the beautiful "6:00 am" followed by the crisp, very melodic country rocker "He is not coming back" which, like a sparkling mix of The Great Divide and the Mike McClure Band sounds. Smooth and clear meander beautifully staged steel guitar lines played by Guru Lloyd Maines-Texas, by this point. Lovely! Then a powerful, straight electrifying, by pumping "power-driven bass and Hammond organ fills with strong-marked, flawless Roots-/Texas-Bluesrocker. "Dark Skies" means the number that also thrilled with massive guitars, including a rich, full of Southern Rock-Esprit plug the solos, a great groove and a great melody. Nice relaxed, yet with a good amount of "dirt" enriched follows in the best Cross Canadian Ragweed -. Kyle Bennett Band - or Wade Bowen 's tradition of great Countryrpocker "Downhill", followed by the excellent, great Harmonies in the chorus with attendance, very melodic, crunchy, earthy of electric guitars and a beautiful Southern flair surrounded Roots-/Americana-Rocker Echo connects, who became the independent Raditostationen of Texas now become a huge hit. And so it goes without weaknesses continue to the end. Because of his brilliant energy is particularly noteworthy, perhaps, the hellish steam-producing rocker "Bad with you". No question, these two ladies give the "Red Drt" scene neatly rubber! And the consistency of their music leaves the impression that they aren't going to hide behind any so diminanten male competition. On the contrary, ShutDownTown hit heavy on the plaster! And that's right mood ...
- Baerchen Records

Saturday afternoon festival-goers were treated to music from ShutDownTown. The group is comprised of Mesquite resident Amanda Graves and Cari Smith. The duo met in high school in Edgewood and have been playing together since 2005.

“I sent an e-mail to Cari and asked if she wanted to play together,” Graves said. “We met for one practice and clicked.”

Graves and Smith consider their music to be “alternative country.”

“It is country based, but we added a little rock to it,” Graves said.

The duo competes in a category of music that is typically dominated by men.

“You don’t see a lot of females,” Smith said.

Graves and Smith write most of their own material.

The duo played in their third Real.Texas.Festival. this year and felt this was the best one yet. They were not at the event last year but played in the first two festivals.

“We love it. It’s great. The people treat you really good and make sure you are taken care of,” Graves said.

“This is the best one they have had,” Smith said.

The duo usually plays most of their gigs in bars that cater to Texas country. They list the Dixie Chicks, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Heart among some of the biggest influences on their music.

“We like to keep it upbeat and put on a good show,” Smith said.

The duo had some advice for anyone looking to start out in the music business.

“Develop a tough skin,” Smith said. “Be fearless. For every one person that loves you, five hate you.”

As far as a key to longevity, the duo said that you have to be passionate about the music.

“If you love what you are doing it makes it easy,” Graves said - Mesquite Star Newspaper

After review Vic Chesnutt and Lucas Paine still a discussion of a CD in a brown / black case with a bird. This is also on any agreement. Shutdown Town revolves around Amanda Graves and Cari Smith , two women who sing like they will make mince pathetic male. Or maybe those guys just by flushing them to the title of the fantastic debut Flush ( house ) on target. These tough chicks from Edgewood , east of Dallas and were picked up by Mike McClure and Joe Hardy who helped with the creation of this CD. The Texan Shutdown Town is a double portion of Janis Joplin. And with a double portion of it really can be a double portion. For just as easily let them Sass Jordan corners of a honky tonk show. This is hard rock with lots of blues and country enough to include Lloyd Maines to please. When they call the influences everything from Dixie Chicks ( it seems not really ) to Motley Crue (less) and Heart (I think the ladies were running away for the Shutdown Town). Fuck , what a whopper bitches ! Available at CD Baby
- AltCountry.NL

?If week two of the first round for this year's Shiner Rising Star contest--hosted by KHYI 95.3 and Shiner Bock Beer--was solid, last night's, week three performances were a ten foot-thick slab of concrete and steel.

In short: It was an outstanding display.

Feel free to add to the list of North Texas country acts that are ready for their share of the spotlight: The Kerry Davis Band, Shutdown Town and the Chris Rivers Band.

As was the case last week in Grapevine, I was one of the judges for the evening. This week, I shared the judges table (and a couple of icy brews) with KHYI afternoon DJ, Brett Dillon and none other than former Cowboys assistant coach, Joe Avezzano.

For those wondering how Coach Joe might fit into such an equation, allow me to enlighten you: A noted supporter of country music for many years, Avezzano has spent his years away from the sidelines as a country radio personality, as well as the proprietor for several venues that have hosted many a Texas country stud in recent years. In fact, last night's locale, Hat Tricks in Lewisville, is one of Avezzano's places. And, indeed, the joint has been transformed from run of the mill, neighborhood dive bar, into a serious live music venue.

All three bands that competed to move on to the next round, and one step closer to a recording deal with Shiner Records, brought sizable and jubilant crowds with them.

The packed bar watched as the rootsy Kerry Davis Band began their set, sans percussion, and reminded all in attendance that there is room in red dirt for roots to flourish, and to be more than sturdy enough to survive. The quartet's cover of "I'll Fly Away" was a fitting choice for them, as the sepia-tinted, gospel classic became the evening's first crowd sing-along.

After a short break, the next group to command the stage--and command they did--was Edgewood, TX five-piece, Shutdown Town. Led by the indomitable Amanda Graves, this was my favorite band of the night. Mixing power and steamy soulfulness, Graves and fellow vocalist Cari Smith busted out some killer harmonies as they displayed their masterful combination of southern-rock, country and soul for all to enjoy. The majority of the crowd near the front of the stage was there to see them. But it's reasonable to think that the band's performance, especially their insanely fitting cover of Heart's "Barracuda," would've converted just about anyone, regardless of allegiance. Grave's aforementioned, powerful voice more than did justice to the Wilson sisters' original version. Without going overboard, this band, on this night was simply phenomenal.

While Shutdown Town's set stopped me dead in my tracks, the show, however, continued to roll. Charged with grabbing the momentum from the palm of the lead ladies from Shutdown Town was the extremely professional Chris Rivers Band. Having been a regular fixture on the Dallas Honky-tonk circuit for some time, Rivers and his three mates admirably rolled out their brand of honest, unpretentious country, with a slightly amped-up heft. Their penchant for danceable tunes isn't a shock, given their residency as the house band at Gilley's. For the fans of mid-'90s Top 40 country radio that began turning their dials away when VH1 started playing Shania Twain, this band's sound is nothing short of a two-stepping flashback that fits perfectly in the present-day landscape.

After the votes were tallied, Shutdown Town was revealed as the extremely deserving winner. The thing is, by stopping there, I'd be burying the true lead: Each of last night's three, distinctly different bands performed at such an enjoyably high level, and as Avezzano said repeatedly during the evening, the "celebration of local and Texas music" ended up being the biggest winner of this week's competition.
- Dallas Observer

Interview:

TRD: Who do you consider your influences?

AG: Patty Griffin would have to be at the top of that list. That woman is amazing! I’d also have to say Mike McClure, Merle Haggard, and Alice in Chains. It’s a pretty random group, but I pull a little from all of them! And certainly my dad, Jimmy Graves. He taught me at a young age what “real music” is.

TRD: What was your first Gig?

AG: The first place I ever sang in front of a crowd was a little Opry in Mesquite, TX called Rodeo City Music Hall. But my first official “gig” was at a place in Gun Barrel City, called Sisters Bar and Grill. It was an acoustic set, but man, we felt like such rock-stars!!


TRD: What groups or singers do you listen to now?

AG: Mike McClure is pretty much a permanent fixture in my CD player. I listen to a lot of Patty Griffin, Monte Montgomery, Alice in Chains, Micky and the Motorcars, Reckless Kelly, Jerry Cantrell, Heart, Brandon Rhyder, Travis Linville and any classic country or grunge from the 90’s.


TRD: What is your favorite venue you have performed at? Why?

AG: We just played the Rowdy Float Trip in New Braunfels, and it was pretty awesome! There were so many cool artists there, plus it doesn’t get much better than floating the river with a cooler full of beer.


TRD: If you could perform only 1 more show, anywhere in the world, where would you want to play? Why?

AG: Red Rocks Amphitheater in Denver, Colorado. That would be the ultimate for me. The acoustics there are beyond explanation, and the atmosphere is unlike any other place I’ve ever been to.


TRD: What is your favorite song you have recorded? Why?

AG: I’d have to say “Long Way Back” off my CD Nobody’s Fool. My dad wrote that song a long time ago when he had his band, Hooker Ridge, and I always loved it. So when I decided to pursue this music thing, I asked if I could record it. He was thrilled about it, so we re-wrote some lines and put it on the album. Plus, he is singing the harmonies on there so it means a lot to me to be able to do that song with him and I think it kicks ass!


TRD: When you’re not performing what do you like to do with your spare time?

AG: I love to play golf, so I try to get on the course as much as possible. Otherwise, I pretty much just stalk other bands! I love being around live music, so if I’m not playing I’m probably at someone else’s show.


TRD: If you could perform with any other artist, who would you like to
share the stage with? Why?

AG: Patty Griffin. The woman’s voice is perfection, her songwriting is amazing and she is an awesome guitarist. She shouldn’t even be allowed to be as great as she is! I don’t know if I’d be able to sing with her though, I’d probably just stand there in awe the whole time!



Discography:
Nobody’s Fool (1/2/2006)
- Texas Red Dirt

Amanda Graves is a north Texas native who grew up with music in her blood. The daughter of touring musicians Amanda grew up touring with her parent’s band. Because of stage fright, Amanda became an accomplished golfer instead of a musician in her formative years. With her fear of the stage long gone Amanda is fully into the Texas and Red Dirt music scene as a well known studio and live harmony singer. She has shared the stage and added harmonies to the likes of Mike McClure and Tyler McCumber. Out with her own CD titled Nobody’s Fool and a band, Amanda is gigging around Texas and turning heads with a voice and pipes that stops people in their tracks. Her in-your-face attitude and ability to belt out vocals with perfection have given her a cult following among other musicians in the area. She is also gaining fans everywhere she sings. No one can listen to Amanda Graves and not say, “Wow what a voice”! - Texas Music Times,LLC

Featured Artist - June 20, 2007
Don "TexasDirt" Haney chose Amanda to be the Featured Artist on his Texas/Red Dirt Music Scene Blog for the week of 6/24. Amanda was happy to answer his questions and very humbled that of all the great talent out there, he would chose her! Thanks Don!! You can check it out here:

Texas/Red Dirt Music Scene!
Radio Free Texas - April 19, 2007
You can now listen to Amanda's CD, Nobody's Fool on http://www.RadioFreeTexas.org
You can request any song from the CD, so get to it!
Texas Music Times article - April 9, 2007
Amanda Graves is a north Texas native who grew up with music in her blood. The daughter of touring musicians, Amanda grew up touring with her parent’s band. Because of stage fright, Amanda became an accomplished golfer instead of a musician in her formative years. With her fear of the stage long gone Amanda is fully into the Texas and Red Dirt music scene as a well known studio and live harmony singer. She has shared the stage and added harmonies to the likes of Mike McClure and Tyler McCumber. Out with her own CD titled Nobody’s Fool and a band, Amanda is gigging around Texas and turning heads with a voice and pipes that stops people in their tracks. Her in-your-face attitude and ability to belt out vocals with perfection have given her a cult following among other musicians in the area. She is also gaining fans everywhere she sings. No one can listen to Amanda Graves and not say, “Wow what a voice”!

View the article here: http://texasmusictimes.com/profile-five.php
Love & War Singer/Songwriter Contest - March 27, 2007
Me and Cari competed in the first round of the Love and War in Grapevine's Singer/Songwriter Contest, and I am happy to announce we WON the first round! We will have to wait until all the rounds have concluded and go back to compete in the finals. I'll keep ya posted. Hope to see everyone out cheering us on in the finals!
Dallas Observer Article - March 17, 2007
Best Place to Git Giddy-Up Wit It
Klassic Kountry Saturday Nights

Before heading to Mesquite's version of the Opry, you need one of two things: either a love of country music, or an open mind to it, because the people at Rodeo City Music Hall love them some country and are gonna make darn sure you have a good time. Everything you might expect will probably be there, too. Cowboy hats, sure; big hair, yeah; even the obligatory Elvis lookalike. But for eight bucks, you experience two hours of simple, wholesome fun. The enthusiasm is infectious; just try not to tap your toes. You may even forget the multiplexes and malls that are just a couple miles away. Score on the cheapo concessions, and if you're really lucky, singer Amanda Graves may be on the lineup. Yeehaw! NEW CD!!! - August 13, 2008
Just finished up recording what will be the new CD with Mike McClure in Ada, OK. We think it's gonna really be something unlike anything else out there! Definitely a true representation of ourselves and our vision! We are shooting for a December release, but these things never can be tied down to a certain date, so just hang in there with us!
WELCOME to the new site!! - January 7, 2008
No more www.amandagraves.com...
That's right!The new website is up and running! Be patient and we will get new stuff added as soon as we can. Thanks for all your support these past couple of years! We hope 2008 will belong to ShutDownTown!!!
Featured Artist - June 20, 2007
Don "TexasDirt" Haney chose Amanda to be the Featured Artist on his Texas/Red Dirt Music Scene Blog for the week of 6/24. Amanda was happy to answer his questions and very humbled that of all the great talent out there, he would chose her! Thanks Don!! You can check it out here:

Texas/Red Dirt Music Scene!
Radio Free Texas - April 19, 2007
You can now listen to Amanda's CD, Nobody's Fool on http://www.RadioFreeTexas.org
You can request any song from the CD, so get to it!
Texas Music Times article - April 9, 2007
Amanda Graves is a north Texas native who grew up with music in her blood. The daughter of touring musicians, Amanda grew up touring with her parent’s band. Because of stage fright, Amanda became an accomplished golfer instead of a musician in her formative years. With her fear of the stage long gone Amanda is fully into the Texas and Red Dirt music scene as a well known studio and live harmony singer. She has shared the stage and added harmonies to the likes of Mike McClure and Tyler McCumber. Out with her own CD titled Nobody’s Fool and a band, Amanda is gigging around Texas and turning heads with a voice and pipes that stops people in their tracks. Her in-your-face attitude and ability to belt out vocals with perfection have given her a cult following among other musicians in the area. She is also gaining fans everywhere she sings. No one can listen to Amanda Graves and not say, “Wow what a voice”!

View the article here: http://texasmusictimes.com/profile-five.php
Love & War Singer/Songwriter Contest - March 27, 2007
Me and Cari competed in the first round of the Love and War in Grapevine's Singer/Songwriter Contest, and I am happy to announce we WON the first round! We will have to wait until all the rounds have concluded and go back to compete in the finals. I'll keep ya posted. Hope to see everyone out cheering us on in the finals!
Dallas Observer Article - March 17, 2007
Best Place to Git Giddy-Up Wit It
Klassic Kountry Saturday Nights

Before heading to Mesquite's version of the Opry, you need one of two things: either a love of country music, or an open mind to it, because the people at Rodeo City Music Hall love them some country and are gonna make darn sure you have a good time. Everything you might expect will probably be there, too. Cowboy hats, sure; big hair, yeah; even the obligatory Elvis lookalike. But for eight bucks, you experience two hours of simple, wholesome fun. The enthusiasm is infectious; just try not to tap your toes. You may even forget the multiplexes and malls that are just a couple miles away. Score on the cheapo concessions, and if you're really lucky, singer Amanda Graves may be on the lineup. Yeehaw! - Don Haney

Dallas Observer Article - March 17, 2007
Best Place to Git Giddy-Up Wit It
Klassic Kountry Saturday Nights

Before heading to Mesquite's version of the Opry, you need one of two things: either a love of country music, or an open mind to it, because the people at Rodeo City Music Hall love them some country and are gonna make darn sure you have a good time. Everything you might expect will probably be there, too. Cowboy hats, sure; big hair, yeah; even the obligatory Elvis lookalike. But for eight bucks, you experience two hours of simple, wholesome fun. The enthusiasm is infectious; just try not to tap your toes. You may even forget the multiplexes and malls that are just a couple miles away. Score on the cheapo concessions, and if you're really lucky, singer Amanda Graves may be on the lineup. Yeehaw! - Unknown